The rapid evolution of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, laser inter-satellite link (LISL), and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is reshaping global connectivity and challenging long-established assumptions about latency, routing, and rural coverage. In this presentation, I explore how next-generation satellite systems can be integrated with terrestrial mobile networks to deliver resilient, wide-area, and performance-efficient communication services.
Using real-world measurements collected through the RIPE Atlas platform, I compare end-to-end performance of Starlink LEO satellite connectivity with 4G/5G mobile networks across multiple European countries. Over a 7-day continuous measurement period, I analyzed long-haul RTT, hop-count behavior, intercontinental routing paths, and jitter distribution toward an APNIC-hosted target in Singapore. Despite longer physical paths, Starlink consistently demonstrated lower and more stable long-haul latency, enabled by backbone efficiency and evolving ISL-assisted routing, while mobile networks showed higher jitter and EPC-driven processing delays.
The talk also provides a deep-dive into satellite architecture — from LEO mesh topology, ground stations, and LISL types (intra-plane, inter-plane, crossing-plane) to practical NTN–TN interoperability considerations defined in 3GPP TR 38.811. Real-world examples illustrate how geography, beam handovers, congestion, atmospheric conditions, and PoP presence influence user experience.
Through this measurement-driven analysis, the session highlights where satellite networks outperform terrestrial systems, where limitations remain, and how future NTN–TN integration could enable seamless global connectivity — especially across underserved regions that represent 80% of the world’s landmass without mobile coverage. The study outlines future research directions, including TLS latency profiling, global LEO probe integration, and anomaly detection in transcontinental routing.
This presentation provides operators and engineers with practical insights into how terrestrial and satellite infrastructures can complement rather than compete, and what this means for the future of Internet reachability, resilience, and interconnection.